Sunshine brings relief to festival planners

Friday's clouds gave way to a weekend of sunshine much to the relief of festival organizers at Mountain Craft Days and the Farmers' and Threshermen's Jubilee.

In New Centerville, the 51st annual jubilee was in full swing Sunday with crowds taking in the truck pull amid the steam-powered machinery and antique farm equipment.

"The crowd has been very good the last two days," said Harold Henry, co-chair of the event. "Prior to that the rain hampered things."

He said parking was a big problem early on, but it was possible to overcome it.

"Today was a beautiful day," he said. "People came out and enjoyed themselves."

He said the crowd was average, but people continue to come to show support to the fire company. All proceeds benefit the New Centerville Fire Department.

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"It's very successful this year as far as I'm concerned," he said.

There was a strong showing for Kids Day activities Saturday, where a pedal power tractor pull, hay bale toss and arm wrestling tournament took center stage.

"We had a lot of kids out here," said fireman Shawn Miller.

Sunday also offered the commemorative jubilee and saw blade auction.

The quilt was purchased by Nancy Gribble for $2,050. She then donated it back to the fire company.

Shaffer Timber purchased the saw blade for $650. BJ Willard bought a Quecreek mine fly-over shot and calendar for $150, while Patty Lavan was the winning bidder on the photo for $90.

"They know it's for the fire company and get decent bids on it," said Henry.

With events wrapping up, Henry said plans are already underway for next year.

"When this one goes off the next year's jubilee has a large percent already in the making," he said.

For Charlie Fox, site administrator for the Somerset Historical Society said Friday's bleak weather may have scared away some people, but beautiful weather the rest of the weekend made up for it.

"This is perfect. I'll take this any time," he said. "It's pretty much our normal crowd."

He credits the grounds being ready and success to the staff, who worked through muddy conditions early on to prepare.

"Especially when you look at what the weather was last week… It turned out to be a spectacular weekend," Fox said.

Sunday afternoon saw people taking in the period crafts from the tin smith and blacksmith to musical performances and home-cooked food.

"It's that combination of the old and the new," said Fox. "I still really don't think there's a better place to go to get back in touch with your roots if you're from this area."

He said the festival offers something for everyone.

"We always have a selection of new artisans and craft people," said Fox. "There's something for everyone whether you're just coming back to relive old memories or learn about what your parents and grandparents did."

He said the musical talent a highlight of the weekend.

"There's really not too many places you can hear this type of music," Fox said.

But more importantly Mountain Craft Days offers a touch of learning.

"It's a festival. It's fun, but it's educational," Fox said. "There's just so much information here if you just want to learn."